New Mexico United Academy Players Honored with Custom Jerseys

At a special ceremony on Friday, New Mexico United celebrated the accomplishments of its developmental academy players by presenting them with custom jerseys featuring their names. The event took place at the club's facility, where each of the seven graduating high school players received their honorary kits from first-team players, marking a significant milestone in their soccer journeys.

Among those honored was Charlie Groves, who expressed his excitement about wearing his kit to the upcoming match against Orange County SC. "I’m wearing mine to the next United game," he said, looking forward to showcasing his new jersey. Fellow academy members received their jerseys from various first-team players, including Marlon Vargas, Gedion Zelalem, and Cristian Nava, who was a former academy teammate of Ivan Moore.

The ceremony fostered camaraderie, with hugs and celebratory moments shared as the young athletes posed for photographs with their families and the first-team players. Moore reflected on the significance of receiving the jersey, stating, “I think it’s special to get that jersey.” This gesture is in line with United’s commitment to nurturing its academy since its inception in 2021.

Academy players are actively engaged in training alongside the first team, gaining valuable experience and insights. Connor Hanks, Taren Wente, and others regularly participate in first-team practices, which first-team manager Dennis Sanchez described as crucial, albeit not always glamorous. Winston Starr noted the welcoming atmosphere, saying, “It feels like a family,” emphasizing the strong relationships built between academy players and the first-team staff.

As the academy players prepare to transition to college soccer programs, they cherish the time spent training with seasoned professionals. Groves encapsulated the experience by saying, “Getting to be around first-team players, it’s just an honor.” The custom jerseys serve as a reminder of their hard work and the bright paths ahead.